Share this Page

Defence is the key for Cazorla

Date published: Tuesday 16th June 2015 4:19

The Gunners finished third last season and retained the FA Cup by beating Aston Villa 4-0 in a one-sided final at Wembley.

Arsenal boast plenty of attacking firepower with Theo Walcott, who scored four goals in the final two games of last season, joining a forward line which already includes Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck.

And despite having the third best defensive record in the division last season – behind champions Chelsea and seventh-placed Southampton – Cazorla feels a solid defence will be critical to their title hopes.

“One of the key areas we have to focus on next season is being a very strong defensive team,” he said. “If we have got those things under control our offence is already good enough.

“We need to make sure that the positioning of our backline is strong and always stays that way.

“Last season we lost so many points against small teams at home, and if we want to win the league we can’t lose those points.”

Arsenal have been linked with a summer move for Chelsea’s veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech and Porto forward Jackson Martinez, rated at around £25m, is another reported target.

Despite having confidence in the current firepower at their disposal, Cazorla would welcome some more.

“It is a tough decision and down to Mr Wenger to make these decisions. My only hope is that whoever is chosen will be somebody who can pump up the level of the team,” the Spaniard said.

“When it comes to a position or who in particular we might need, somebody in Theo Walcott’s area. He is not necessarily a true, true striker so we might need somebody in his area.”